Morning:
3°c
Tory bid to slim down number of MPs
13.01.09
- MPs back election reform referendum
- Broadwater Farm murder: man held
- 8,500 Toyota cars in brakes recall
- Kraft reverses Cadbury factory vow
- Afghanistan deaths soldiers named
- Lords watchdog to probe expenses
- BBC stars paid £54m, figures show
- Arrest amid playgroup sex probe
- Temperatures set to plunge again
- Labour phone campaign broke rules
More than 60 MPs could lose their seats under Tory plans to slash public spending, it has been revealed.
David Cameron said the number of Commons seats - 650 at the next election - would be cut by at least 10% if the Conservatives win power.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Mr Cameron said: "I think the House of Commons could do the job that it does with 10% fewer MPs without any trouble at all."
Labour seats in Wales and the inner cities would be among those scrapped in the move, which could make it easier for the Conservatives to win elections.
Mr Cameron said the Tories could legislate during their first term for boundaries to be re-drawn so that constituencies had roughly the same number of potential voters.
"We can legislate for that, yes, and we should," he said. "I believe in having seats that are the same size all across the country."
The proposed shake-up could see the number of seats in Wales reduced from 40 to about 30, while constituencies in large northern cities and London could be axed to reflect population growth in Tory strongholds such as the south of England.
John Curtice, professor of politics at Strathclyde University, said a smaller Commons could mean larger swings, but in the short term the move "would improve the Tory chances of winning."
Reader views (3)
Whilst I agree with reducing the number of MPs I believe that those in urban not country areas should be reduced.
- Frank, BONCATH WALES
Yes - and lets remove a few layers of local government. As a young soldier we were taught - Identify the aim/problem and plan to achieve that aim with the resources available - involve uncle Tom Cobbley and all and you end up aiming to achieve a plan - result chaotic failure !
- Wills, Soton
I have an uneasy feeling this excercise will end up with even more "Bums" on "Seats"!
GERONIMO
- Geronimo, LONDON MIDDLESEX
